Here are your local news headlines for the morning of Monday, Aug. 2, 2021.
Nevada Leaders Hope Program Limits Evictions
By The Associated Press
Nevada renters and landlords will be subject to no state or federal government eviction moratorium when the Centers for Disease Control guidelines expire on Saturday. The state moratorium officially expired June 1, but Gov. Steve Sisolak and state lawmakers created a new rule last month to require that courts pause nonpayment-of-rent evictions if tenants can prove they have applied for a share of the state's $365 million in federally funded rental assistance. Advocates worry that the state's summary eviction laws that put the burden on filing legal challenges to evictions on tenants will continue to plague vulnerable renters.
Biden, Harris Chat Wildfires With Western Governors
By Robyn Vincent, Mountain West News Bureau
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Western governors Friday about the wildfires raging across the region. It was the president’s second call with Western governors in as many months as wildfires scorch the land and degrade air quality for millions of Americans.
President Biden said his infrastructure plan before the Senate provides needed relief to the tune of billions of dollars for firefighting efforts. State leaders, meanwhile, said they want to see a cultural shift among federal agencies in terms of faster response times and year-round mitigation.
Biden and Democratic governors were quick to point out how climate change is exacerbating this year’s intense fire season.
Tamarack Fire Debris Drop Locations Now Open
By Michele Ravera
Douglas County residents affected by the Tamarack Fire are allowed to dump fire debris, spoiled food waste and household trash at three new temporary disposal locations. Debris boxes are placed at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Center, the Carson Tahoe Regional Health Center, and at the Topaz Event Center. People should not leave items like appliances or large electronics, because space is limited.
Additionally, Bently Ranch is accepting burned vegetation at their compost yard located in Minden at no charge. This offer is open to residents of Douglas and Alpine Counties who can haul their burned vegetation. Customers must bring ID or proof of residency in the burn area.
Nevada Policy On COVID-19 Worker Testing Takes Effect Aug. 15
By The Associated Press
Nevada state employees who aren't fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by August 15th will be required to start taking weekly virus tests. Governor Steve Sisolak announced the new policy in a statement on Friday, saying vaccination "is the best tool we have to combat this virus." He also said that Nevada is committed to making the state government “a safe and healthy environment for all employees and the public."
Nevada Rep. Amodei Discloses Cancer On Kidneys, Esophagus
By The Associated Press
U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada has disclosed he had three surgeries and an outpatient procedure over the past 10 months for cancerous tumors on his kidneys and a cancerous spot in his esophagus. The Republican congressman told The Associated Press on Friday that he did not reveal the cancer when he first learned of it last September or his surgery before the November election because he didn’t want it to be used against him in his reelection campaign. Amodei says his procedures were successful and he feels mostly back to normal.
Truckee To Hold Special Election On Proposed Property Tax Increase For Wildfire Prevention Funds
By KUNR Staff
Officials in Truckee are moving a special election previously slated for August to September's statewide recall ballot.
Accordingto the Sierra Sun, residents living in the Truckee Fire Protection District will cast their votes for Measure T on September 14th. If passed, the initiative would increase property taxes by $179 a year to fund more wildfire prevention efforts.
That includes the removal of dry brush, dead trees, and other fire hazards as well as pay for more options for residents to dispose of green waste.
The special election was slated for August 31st, but lawmakers gave local governments the authority to tack special elections onto statewide ballots.
